Bhubaneswar, Feb 11: A SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Programme, part of a nationwide initiative to generate awareness about leprosy, was organised by the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC) on Tuesday. The programme aimed to sensitise the community on early detection, timely treatment, and elimination of social stigma associated with the disease.
Dr. Rajendra Malik, Additional Director (Leprosy), State Health Department, attended as chief guest, while Dr. Pushparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, was present as guest of honour. Faculty members including Dr. E. Venkata Rao, Dr. Sambedana Mohanty, Dr. Smriti Madhusikta, and Dr. Subhashree Samantaray, along with postgraduate trainees from Community Medicine and Infectious Diseases departments, participated in the event.
Speakers emphasised recognising early symptoms and highlighted that leprosy treatment is available free of cost at government health facilities. Awareness activities featured poster presentations and street plays by medical interns and nursing staff, showcasing symptoms and prevention.
Organised under Dr. Sumitra Patnaik and intern coordinator Dr. Mahima Panigrahi, the programme concluded with a call for community support, early reporting, and non-discriminatory care for affected persons.
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